The new year is here, and there has never been a better time to get that website up and going finally. You have the idea and the design and even a quirky name and logo to go along with it but, there is one tiny important detail that you’ll want to consider your web hosting service.
Most newbies may have heard of hosting but might not know the first thing about it.
Why take the time to choose, right? Well, think of finding a host as entering into a relationship. You don’t want to rush things on the hunt for prince charming; you want to take your time and consider your options. Taking the time to choose carefully can save you from headaches and pains that can come from poorly managed hosting, creating a match made in heaven that you’ll be happy with ’til death do you part. How do you get to this sensation of marital bliss? Follow our five tips listed below and never look back.
Know what you’re looking for
Don’t settle for hosting sites that don’t quite do it for you. Make sure that your hosting services check all the boxes, specifically tailored to all the hosting services you need. What do you hope to gain out of this mutual relationship? Do you want a shareable and less complicated or more complex type of character? Answering these questions will reveal what type of host is the perfect match for you and your site. Don’t know what type of website you have? Here is a simple way to find out.
Small to Medium
If your site is between the range of small to medium, it is recommended to go with shared hosting. Yes, shared means you will be sharing, needing to give your hosting site space. However, this shouldn’t make you jealous, especially when you’re first beginning to build your website and your following. Shared hosting is generally on the cheaper side of the cost spectrum and is quite uncomplicated to manage and maintain. Plus, this is sort of a fling, leaving you the freedom to move on to better things as your website gains momentum.
Fast Growing
For those sites that just seemingly take off overnight, exposed to large amounts of traffic, is recommended a VPS or virtual private server. Though you’ll still be sharing, you’ll have a ton of flexibility to add additional services and features as needed along with a higher amount of space to call your ‘own.’ Here you can enjoy things at a faster pace, with SSDs at higher speeds, larger storage, and even options for added security and monitoring.
Top-Notch
Once your site hits a well-known status, you’ll benefit the most from a dedicated host. Although more on the expensive side but cater directly and only to you. Your prince charming has come to the rescue after kissing all the frogs. You’ll have the best hardware, a dedicated management team at your side at all times, automated backups, and even get to choose your preferred operating system.
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Define your Type
Now that you know the types of hosting available, it is recommended to define your website. The types of features and hosting you’ll need easier to determine when you consider the type of site you will build.
Blog
Obviously, at the top, the list is WordPress, the most widely used platform for bloggers of all sorts. If you’re creating a blog, it is best to go with a WordPress host, usually just one click away after creating your website.
Online Store
If you’re setting up an online store of some sort, go for an eCommerce hosting service, one that includes features like added security and encryption. You’ll be dealing with sensitive customer information, and it is best to go with a host that can keep it safe.
Personal or Hobby
If this site is more like a playground or an experiment to document hobbies or personal interests, it is best to go with a low-cost host, one that doesn’t come with all the added bells and whistles. You’ll only need simple hosting and the basic features to keep this site up and to run.
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Consider the extras
A lot of hosting sites out there trying to market themselves as having the most features to offer, thinking that customers will choose them over the competition. This might be true in some cases, don’t be fooled by all the added extras. Go with one that only comes with what you need and nothing more, saving yourself money and lots of hassle. A few questions to ask are:
- Will you need emailing and inboxes?
- What type of storage and memory will you need?
- How much bandwidth do you need?
- Are you dealing with sensitive customer details?
Answering these questions will get ensure that you get a good host without all the added and unnecessary extras.
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Shop Around
Yes, there are free hosting sites out there but, do beware that these also come with restrictions and limited features. On average, hosting costs only a few dollars per month, with most hosting services providing discounts for paying in bulk for one or more years. It is always best to first make sure the service checks all the right boxes and also comes with a good price tag before committing to a long-term relationship.
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Keep the future in mind
Just like with any relationship, you’ll want to think about what hosting can bring you in the future. Don’t be afraid to daydream, thinking of your site as booming in the near future. With this type of positive outlook, you’ll be able to go into your relationship more confidently, choosing a host that will allow you room to grow. Choose those that will easily allow you to evolve, one where you can add features as you go. This can help you avoid all the hassle of having to pack up and move around, creating a happy and well-functioning place to call home.
This may seem like a lot but, taking the time to consider only five things will help you find Mr. Right, building a solid and unbreakable union in which you will live happily ever after. Happy hunting!
